Mollie Sugden English actress, comedian Date of Birth: 21.07.1922 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Molly Sugden

Molly Sugden was an English actress and comedian, best known for her role as Mrs. Slocombe in the British comedy series "Are You Being Served?" from 1972 to 1985. She reprised this role in the series "Grace & Favour" from 1992 to 1993. Sugden also appeared in several other television shows, including "The Liver Birds" and "Coronation Street".

Early Life and Career
Sugden was born Isobel Mary Sugden in Keighley, Yorkshire, in 1922. At the age of four, she witnessed a woman reading a poem at a village concert and making the audience laugh. Inspired by this, Sugden performed the same poem at Christmas, amusing those around her. This experience made her realize the joy of making people laugh.

During World War II, Sugden worked in a factory in Keighley, manufacturing ammunition for the Navy. After a while, she secured a temporary release and began attending the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. After completing her studies, Sugden embarked on a career on stage, working for eight years alongside Eric Sykes and Roy Dotrice.

Television Career and Success
Sugden had a brief stint on radio before making her television debut in her first comedy show. In addition to her role in "Are You Being Served?", Sugden appeared in shows such as "Benny Hill", "Just Jimmy", "Z-Cars", "Up Pompeii!", "The Goodies", "Steptoe and Son", and "Jackanory".

In 1962, Sugden landed her first regular role as Mrs. Crispin in the comedy series "Hugh and I". The show's scriptwriter, John Chapman, later offered her the role of Sandra Hutchinson in "The Liver Birds", which she portrayed from 1971 to 1979. Despite her declining health, Sugden returned to the project in 1996.

Sugden gained international recognition for her role as the overly confident saleswoman, Mrs. Slocombe, in the long-running series "Are You Being Served?" She appeared in the show for thirteen years, from 1972 to 1985. In 1978, when the show was believed to have ended, she took on the lead role in "Come Back Mrs. Noah", which many consider her worst work.

Later Career and Legacy
From 1965 to 1976, Sugden played Nellie Harvey, the landlady of "The Laughing Donkey" pub, in the series "Coronation Street". She often clashed with Annie Walker, the owner of "The Rovers Return". In 1986, Sugden joined the team of the show "That's Life!" for twenty-three weeks.

Sugden had significant roles in popular sitcoms such as "That's My Boy" from 1981 to 1986 and "My Husband and I" from 1987 to 1988. In "My Husband and I", she acted alongside her husband, actor William Moore.

Seven years after "Are You Being Served?" ended, Sugden, along with four other original cast members, appeared in the series "Grace & Favour". She also had a role in the series "Little Britain". In 2002, a special program titled "Celebrating Molly Sugden: An Are You Being Served?" was aired on PBS.

Sugden passed away at Royal Surrey County Hospital on July 1, 2009, due to natural causes. The exact details of her death are unknown.